Strategies for Learning and Personal Growth Explained

The Exceptional Admins Podcast first aired in November 2019, sparked by host Hilani’s firsthand experience with the challenges and aspirations of administrative professionals. During countless candidate screenings, she heard the same recurring themes: frustrations, career ambitions, and a hunger for genuine guidance. Hilani realized that keeping these insights and solutions confined to individual conversations was a missed opportunity to hand out permission slips to the larger community. Thus, The Exceptional Admins podcast was created as a platform to share valuable knowledge, real stories, a few laughs, and actionable advice.

In a world that demands non-stop productivity, administrative professionals often overlook one essential practice: giving themselves permission to pause, absorb and act. At Exceptional Admins, we’ve always believed that professional evolution starts with small, intentional moments of learning and reflection. This is where our "p.s." (Permission Slip) episodes come in—a series designed to serve as a reminder that taking a moment for yourself is not just okay, it’s necessary.

Listen, Learn, and Lead—that’s the heart of what we do. These shorter, solo episodes hosted by Hilani Ellis, the podcast host, offer listeners thought-provoking moments, practical tips, and even a touch of laughter. They act as quick, yet meaningful reminders that growth doesn’t always require a huge time commitment or a major shift in your day (read that line again). Sometimes, it’s about giving yourself a mental and emotional permission slip to pause, reflect, and embrace new insights.

By taking these moments to step back and absorb valuable insights, you allow yourself the grace to learn and evolve. The PS episodes serve as a tool to help you reconnect with your purpose, enhance your skills, and approach your role with renewed energy. These moments remind us that it’s not just about managing the day-to-day but thriving within it.

Examples of Permission Slips for Growth:

Throughout our PS episodes, you’ll hear reminders such as:

  • Take micro-steps: Not everything has to be tackled at once.

  • Use the 60-second rule: Take a minute to organize your thoughts or space. If needed, take another 60 seconds.

  • Go from a Type A to a Type a: Transition from rigid perfectionism to a balanced, proactive approach.

  • Pause without guilt: Recognize that taking a break can enhance your overall effectiveness.

  • Celebrate small wins: Appreciate minor achievements to build positive momentum.

  • Reframe setbacks: See challenges as learning opportunities, not failures.

  • Self-care: Remember to remember YOU. 

Listed below are all of the p.s. #eaPodcasts episodes for you to listen to, learn, and enjoy. 

  1. p.s. Get’er Done - E: 004

  2. p.s. Oxygen, Managing Tough Times - E: 008

  3. p.s. Procrastination, You’re Not Alone - E: 012

  4. p.s. WTF…Creating a Plan - E: 016

  5. p.s. Networking, Building Your Community - E: 020

  6. p.s. A Gift or a Curse: Self-Talk - E: 024

  7. p.s. Habits, Goals, Boundaries - E: 028

  8. p.s. Next Level - E: 032

  9. p.s. Business Acumen - E: 036

  10. p.s. Don’t Ask for a Raise - E: 040

  11. p.s. Day 1, Not 366 - E: 044

  12. p.s. Leaving the Admin Career - E: 048

  13. p.s. Misake or Learning Moment - E: 052

  14. p.s. Software Update 11.1 to 11.2 - E: 056

  15. p.s Type-A or Type-a - E: 060

  16. p.s Excited to Fail - E: 064

  17. p.s. Thankfulness - E: 068

  18. p.s. Don’t Ask for a Seat at the Table - E: 072

  19. p.s. Busy Badge - E: 076

  20. p.s. Picky or Preference - E: 080

  21. p.s. 5-Star Service - E: 084

  22. p.s. Stop Saying, “To Be Honest” - E: 088

  23. p.s. Interviewing Composure and Tips - E: 092

  24. p.s Get Over It - E: 096

  25. p.s. I Need 5-Minutes - E: 100

  26. p.s. Impostor Syndrome Explained - E: 104

  27. p.s. Building Your Personal Brand - E: 108

  28. p.s. Taking Risks - E: 112

  29. p.s. Cultivating Meaningful Friendships - E: 116

  30. p.s. Doing a Career Audit - E: 120

  31. p.s. Job Searching Tips - E: 124

  32. p.s. Advocating for Yourself - E: 128

Support your growth journey by clicking the button below to print a tangible reflection sheet. Use it to track ALL your permissions and keep them handy as a reminder whenever you need them most.